Thanksgiving and Reflections

I am thankful to God for the privilege of blogging,I've missed it so much.But I always write my thoughts on my journal.

But more than anything, I am thankful to God for carrying me through 2015.Last year,I really learnt to wait on the Lord and finally realise that there is absolutely no way I can depend on myself.
 
I am thankful for the trials.They taught me more about who God is and how excellent His ways and timing are for me.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to go to Limpompo and Jo'burg,both experiences taught me more about myself and how much I need God.

I've learnt the following lessons:

God cannot be fooled.It sounds obvious but believe me it's so easy to get to a point where you care more about what others think,instead of God.I was in that position. I wanted people to view me as this Gof-fearing person to the extent that some things were done out of seeking approval from others.Then,when I was in Limpompo on a mission,God exposed me to my defects and I am eternally grateful for that.I decided to read the Great Controversy,on Investigative Judgement a multiple times.One thing stood out for me:God judges our motives and nothing is hidden from Him.This truly liberated me.I stopped caring whether others thought I was "spiritual",whether I was reserved and meek and I started focusing on what God thinks.I am learning to deal truly with myself,without seeking to "seem".

A form of godliness robs us of true communion with God.Even worse,it blinds us of our own defects.One verse that stuck with me at the mission was 2 Corinthians 13:5,where we are counselled to examine ourselves if we are walking in the faith and I was shocked to know the answer.But this taught me to be myself.I am way too faulty but I care little what others think of me.I now am concerned with whether God is pleased.As much as it's a scary for people to know your shortcomingd,the scariest thing is having my name rejected in the book of life,hurting God and the Holy Spirit no longer dwelling with you.When God matters more,you no longer feel pressured.

2. When God would like you to do something,he goes to the extent of removing every obstacle,just to leave you without excuse.He did that for me with regards to the missions at Limpompo.Everything just fell into place.


3.Your unselfish deed is an answer to someone's prayer.By being selfish,you might misrepresent God.

4.Quoting Scripture on every sentence,status etc does not necessarily mean you are a Christian-your life will prove so.You can not even say a thing about God but people will be able to tell you are a Christian.

5.Whatever duty is laid by God will ALWAYS benefit us more than those you help.Going to Limpompo helped me more than anything I did for others.

6.Serving those nearest to us is what will prepare us for heaven,partly of course.I learnt that I do get lazy,especially when it's hot.But that's no excuse.And the more you do it,the greater your joy.

7.I've learnt to ignore some things that people say or do to me because heaven is worth much more;than losing over petty  things.

8.Don't hide your faults from God.

9.You and I can never be a standard for anything:dress reform,health reform etc;the word of God and the testimonies are.

10. It's actually okay to spend some time apart from loved ones just to spend time with God;you need Him.

11. Don't impose your convictions on others-especially when not biblical.

12. Love needs not be partial!I've leant to love even those that aren't my friend and what joy it brings.Love others as you do your closest friends,for Christ's sake.

13.It's not enough to show love but pray too for others.